Why vaccines are important for adults

Vaccines given during adulthood can prevent the spread of serious diseases that may lead to poor health, missed work, costly medical bills and even death. As you get older, the protection gained from certain childhood vaccines can wear off. Plus, you may be at risk for certain vaccine-preventable diseases because of your age, job, lifestyle or current health status.

Getting vaccinated as an adult also helps protect the people most susceptible to contagious diseases, such as babies and young children, pregnant women and seniors.

Here are some vaccines commonly recommended for adults:

• Seasonal flu. Adults of all ages should get an annual flu shot but especially seniors, people with chronic health conditions and pregnant women. Sixty percent of flu-related hospitalizations occur in people 65 years and older.

• Shingles. One in three adults contract shingles during their lifetime, and your risk increases as you age. Adults who are 50 and older should get the shingles vaccine.

• Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap). If you didn’t receive the Tdap vaccine as an adolescent to protect against whooping cough (pertussis), it’s vital to get the shot as an adult. Women should also get the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, to protect the newborn from pertussis.

• Pneumococcal. This vaccine prevents pneumococcal disease, which causes pneumonia, meningitis and sepsis. It’s recommended for all adults age 65 and older as well as for younger adults with conditions that affect their immune system, such as HIV, lymphoma and leukemia.

If you have chronic health conditions or work in the health care industry, you may require additional vaccines. Before traveling abroad, remember to check what vaccines you’ll need and get them administered four to six weeks before your trip.